RE-PERCEIVED TRIBALISM IN CURRENT ADMINISTRATION OF PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU UNIVERSITY ANYIGBA: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
The Management of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, has noted with concerns, the widely circulated social media post by one Farouk Ozigi Onimisi, alleging ethnic favoritism in the early administrative decisions of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman.
Ordinarily, the University would not have considered it necessary to respond to such frivolous, divisive, inciting, and baseless allegations targeted at distracting the Vice-Chancellor.
However, in the interest of institutional clarity and for the purpose of public record, the Management has deemed it appropriate to present the facts in respect of the appointments made since the inception of the current administration barely a month ago.
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It must be noted that, this will, be the first and the last time the University will respond to such unfounded and baseless claims whose intent is to distract the Management.
Before moving into the crux of the matter, it is important to state from the outset that the early decisions and actions of the Vice-Chancellor clearly demonstrate a leadership style that is focused on solving institutional problems rather than engaging in sectional or sentimental considerations.
The administrative philosophy of Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman is that, “instead of lamenting, problems should be solved, irrespective of who, when and how it was created”. That is why, from the first day of assumption of office, the welfare of staff and students has been the topmost priority of his administration.
First, within a short period of assuming office, Professor Usman confronted one of the most painful administrative issues affecting the University — the case of staff employed since 2018 who had not been captured on the University payroll for nearly seven (7) years.
Through deliberate administrative engagement and coordination with relevant agencies of government, the approval was obtained from His Excellency, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo and these staff members have now been payrolled and started receiving their salaries with effect from the month of March, 2026.
The relief and gratitude expressed to the Governor and the Vice-Chancellor by some of the affected staff stand as clear evidence of a leadership that prioritises fairness, responsibility and the welfare of the entire university community rather than narrow interests.
Second, the Vice-Chancellor’s administrative record prior to his appointment further reinforces his reputation for balanced and focused leadership. As Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, he was widely recognised for running an inclusive, detribalised and reform-oriented administration. At the end of his tenure, he left the Polytechnic to one of the loudest ovations in the institution’s history, as staff and students across the campus celebrated his contributions to stability, institutional growth and staff welfare.
As a clear indication of the confidence many professionals have in his leadership style, a considerable number of staff drawn from across ethnic boundaries, voluntarily transferred their services from the Polytechnic to follow him to the University. This was unprecedented.
It is therefore not only unfortunate, but quite mischievous for such a pragmatic and unifying leader to be ascribed with the label of tribal bias.
For the sake of factual accuracy, the University wishes to clearly state that the following are the appointments made so far by the Vice-Chancellor:
1. Professor Sanni Momoh (Okene LGA, Kogi Central), a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, took over from Professor William Onogu (Igalamela/Odolu LGA, Kogi East) as Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies.
2. Mr. Rock Adeiza Ezekiel Adeiza (Okehi LGA, Kogi Central), was appointed Director, ITRC. He took over from Mr Sunday Salihu (Adavi LGA, Kogi Central).
3. Mr. Abdulmalik Adinoyi (Okene LGA, Kogi Central) was appointed as Pioneer Transport Officer, a unit carved out from Works Department to ensure efficiency in transport operations
4. Dr. Kizitto Eneye (Okehi LGA, Kogi Central) was appointed Director, Central Laboratory. He replaced Professor Patrick Adejoh Ataja (Dekina LGA Kogi East) who has been appointed Director Academic Planning and Development
5. Professor Patrick Adejoh Ataja (Dekina, Kogi East) took over as Director of Academic Planning from Professor Ajayi who was granted approval for Sabatical Leave to Federal University Lokoja.
6. Professor Ken Enejo (Ibaji Kogi East) was elevated as Director, Centre for Pre-Degree and Diploma Studies (CPDS). He replaced Professor Ukase (Benue State), who has moved to Federal University Lokoja.
7. Mr. Segun Suleiman (Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi Central) was appointed Deputy Director, CPDS. He replaced Prof. Ken Enejoh (Ibaji LGA, Kogi East).
8. Dr Samuel Sheneni Shekpe (Bassa, Kogi East),was appointed as Chairman e-examination, and he replaced Mallam Haruna Muhammad Muftawu (Okene LGKogi Central).
9. Mrs. Uredo Omale (Ankpa LGA, Kogi East) replaced Father Damian Damian (Ankpa LGA) as Public Relations Officer (PRO).
10. Mr. Emmanuel Onuh (Olamaboro LGA, Kogi East) filled the vacancy left by Mr. Aurelius Adejoh (Olamaboro LGA) as Chief Security Officer.
11. Dr. Agih Abdul, (Ankpa Kogi East) a former Students’ Union Government President, took over from Mrs Rashidat Owuda (Okene LGA, Kogi Central) as Deputy Dean, Student Affairs.
12. Mr. Power Babaniyi (Yagba East, Kogi West) was appointed as the pioneer Technical Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor.
It must be emphasised that these constitute the appointments made directly by the Vice-Chancellor so far. Any other movements or changes that may have occurred within departments or administrative units were purely internal postings carried out by the respective Heads of Departments or unit heads.
The Management of Prince Abubakar Audu University therefore urges rumour mongers and purveyors of bad faith to avoid cherry-picking isolated developments while ignoring the broader institutional context.
Selective interpretations of administrative decisions risk creating unnecessary ethnic tensions within an academic community that has historically thrived on diversity and cooperation.
Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman remains committed to leading the University with a clear focus on merit, institutional balance and the collective progress of the entire university community.
Signed
University Management
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MARCH 16TH 2026)
